(ESR) Electron spin resonance is a spectroscopic technique to identify paramagnetic substances. This magnetic resonance phenomenon investigates the nature of the bonding within molecules by identifying unpaired electrons, e.g. in free radicals and their interaction with their immediate surroundings. The Larmor frequency are much higher than corresponding NMR frequencies in the same static magnetic field.
Nuclei with an odd number of neutrons and/or protons, because of their spin, react like tiny magnets and can be lined up in an applied magnetic field. Energy applied by alternating radio frequency radiation is absorbed when its frequency coincides with that of precession of the electron magnets. The spectrum of radiation absorbed as the field changes gives information valuable in chemistry, biology, and medicine since over 50 years.

A RF pulse containing energy only within a specified frequency range. Usually used for slice excitation or for selective saturation pulses.

In MRI systems, the gradient amplifier increases the energy of the signal before it reaches the gradient coils, in a way, that the field strength is intense enough to produce the variations in the main magnetic field for localization of the later received signal. Three gradient coils normally require three gradient amplifiers. As all amplifiers, gradient amplifiers produce heat, which requires cooling.

See also the related poll result: 'Most outages of your scanning system are caused by failure of'

The principal advantage of MRI at high field is the increase in signal to noise ratio. This can be used to improve anatomic and/or temporal resolution and reduce scan time while preserving image quality. MRI devices for whole body imaging for human use are available up to 3 tesla (3T). Functional MRI (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) benefit significantly. In addition, 3T machines have a great utility in applications such as TOF MRA and DTI. Higher field strengths are used for imaging of small parts of the body or scientific animal experiments. Higher contrast may permit reduction of gadolinium doses and, in some cases, earlier detection of disease.
Using high field MRI//MRS, the RF-wavelength and the dimension of the human body complicating the development of MR coils. The absorption of RF power causes heating of the tissue. The energy deposited in the patient's tissues is fourfold higher at 3T than at 1.5T. The specific absorption rate (SAR) induced temperature changes of the human body are the most important safety issue of high field MRI//MRS.
Susceptibility and chemical shift dispersion increase like T1, therefore high field MRI occasionally exhibits imaging artifacts. Most are obvious and easily recognized but some are subtle and mimic diseases. A thorough understanding of these artifacts is important to avoid potential pitfalls. Some imaging techniques or procedures can be utilized to remove or identify artifacts.

See also Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

See also the related poll result: 'In 2010 your scanner will probably work with a field strength of'

ISOL Technology participated in the pioneering the Korea's MRI development since the early 1980's. In spite of the rapidly changing business environment, and severe competition in the overall medical market, ISOL Technology has grown steadily each year and has established itself as a major provider of Magnetic Resonance(MR) Imaging Systems in Korea.
ISOL Technology also has the largest market share of the domestic bone densitometry equipment sales and is currently in the early stages of development of the 61 channel MCG (Magnetocardiography) system with the R and D funds from the Korean Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.

MRI Scanners:

0.35T to 0.5T:
1.5T:
3T: